Diaper rash is a common skin inflammation that develops on a baby’s bottom. New skincare products, stool, or urine can cause this irritation. Simply put, substances that cause skin irritation causes the common diaper rash.
Yeast diaper rash is another type of diaper rash caused by a fungal infection on the skin covered by a diaper. It’s crucial to know the difference between a common and yeast diaper rash to treat it correctly.
Yeast Diaper Rash vs. Common Diaper Rash
When a baby develops a common diaper rash, their skin will be smooth, tender, and a pinkish-red color. This will show up on the skin of the buttocks, genitals, or thighs. A common diaper rash can quickly improve and resolve in a couple of days with regular diaper cream.
A yeast diaper rash causes small bumps or pimples on red skin. It’s also caused by fungal or yeast growth. Since fungi prefer moist areas, the rash is often found in the folds of the legs, genitals, or buttocks. There may also be smaller satellite rashes in the proximity of the main rash.
Oral thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth, may also occur with yeast diaper rashes. However, it’s less likely associated with the rash. Mothers who breastfeed can also develop thrush on their breasts.
The yeast diaper rash doesn’t respond to diaper creams. Instead, you must use antifungal medication.
When a baby experiences either type of diaper rash, they may become more irritable. They will feel uncomfortable and cry when you wash the area or change their diaper.
Causes of a Yeast Diaper Rash
Candida fungus naturally occurs on the body, especially in the mouth, intestines, and skin. Yeast overgrows when the balance of the microbial community in these areas is off. Fungus overgrowth on the skin causes yeast diaper rash or infections on the neck or armpits.
Skin covered by diapers is more susceptible to fungal infections. This is because fungi thrive in wet soiled areas irritated by urine and feces. This is a risk for both babies and adults who wear diapers.
To avoid yeast diaper rashes, change diapers often as recommended. Both cloth and disposable diapers carry the same risk of developing the condition.
Antibiotic use, stress, and skin irritants can further promote fungus overgrowth.
Yeast Diaper Rash Treatment
You can treat mild forms of the rash at home. It’s important to keep the area clean and dry and change diapers frequently. Pat the baby’s skin dry between changes. It also helps to allow the baby to have diaper-free time. Use hypoallergenic natural skin products and regular towels instead of scented baby wipes to clean.
You may use an over-the-counter antifungal cream if the rash persists. It will take longer for the skin to clear up from a yeast diaper rash than a common rash. While you should notice improvement within a few days, it can take two weeks to clear up fully.
Seek medical advice if the rash persists or gets worse. Sometimes the skin oozes fluid from bumps causing more discomfort and pain for your baby. Consult a doctor if you notice other affected areas or if the baby gets oral thrush. In these cases, you’ll need oral medication to treat the condition.
Home Remedies for Yeast Diaper Rash
There are some home remedies you can use to treat the rash. Gentian violet is an over-the-counter product that helps manage the condition. For use in babies, dilute 1% gentian violet in water and use topically for a few days to a week. Be careful as it does stain clothes.
Oatmeals baths can help with many skin irritations, including yeast diaper rash. Simply place a half cup of oatmeal in cheesecloth and drop it into the bath’s water.
Diluted apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, and oregano oil can also treat it. Keep the baby’s skin from coming in contact with undiluted essential oils or vinegar. This can cause more irritation to the skin. The typical dilution for tea tree oil and oregano oil is five drops of oil mixed into half a cup of water. Use this substance to clean the affected areas.
Improving your baby’s sleep can help reduce stress and irritability from the rash. Minimize noise and light when putting them down. A bedtime routine, such as reading a book or singing, can relax the child and help them sleep. you can also play classical music during the day.
